Dallas Cowboys Could Target Travis Etienne as Javonte Williams’ Replacement After Breakout 2025 Season

After a breakout campaign with the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 NFL season, running back Javonte Williams has positioned himself for a lucrative contract in free agency. However, despite his impressive production, there is growing uncertainty about whether that payday will come from Dallas. Salary cap constraints, roster priorities, and long-term planning could ultimately push the Cowboys to let Williams walk.

If Dallas does lose Williams during the offseason, the front office will be under pressure to find a reliable, high-upside replacement to stabilize the backfield. One intriguing option has already begun to gain traction across the league: Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.

Cowboys Named Top Landing Spot for Travis Etienne

According to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, the Dallas Cowboys stand out as one of the most logical and attractive landing spots for Travis Etienne should the former first-round pick hit free agency.

“Etienne would be a sensible choice for a Cowboys team that should be feeling desperate for some backfield stability,” Kay wrote. “The team hasn’t fielded the same Week 1 starter in consecutive years since Ezekiel Elliott departed for the first time in 2022, but Etienne could fill that void and hold down Dallas’ RB1 job for the next few years.”

That lack of continuity at running back has quietly become one of Dallas’ most persistent issues. Since moving on from Elliott, the Cowboys have relied on short-term solutions, committee approaches, and mid-level free agents without committing long-term to a true feature back. While Javonte Williams helped alleviate those concerns in 2025, his potential departure would once again leave the position in flux.

Why Travis Etienne Makes Sense for Dallas

From a schematic and personnel standpoint, Etienne appears to be an ideal fit for Dallas’ offensive system. The Cowboys have leaned heavily on quarterback Dak Prescott in recent seasons, often asking him to carry the offensive load due to an inconsistent ground game. Adding a dynamic, three-down running back like Etienne could significantly change that equation.

“Upgrading to a more talented, versatile back like Etienne could elevate Dallas to the very top of the league in rushing,” Kay added. “It would also take pressure off Prescott to shoulder the offensive burden in 2026.”

Etienne’s ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield would give head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator flexibility in play-calling. His explosiveness on outside zone runs, combined with his pass-catching skills, aligns perfectly with modern NFL offensive trends.

Travis Etienne’s Production with the Jaguars

Etienne is coming off another productive season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing the year with 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. That performance marked the third time in four seasons that he surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark since being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Despite missing his rookie season due to injury, Etienne quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s offense. His vision, acceleration, and versatility made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly when paired with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Over his tenure in Jacksonville, Etienne has consistently demonstrated durability and efficiency—two traits Dallas has struggled to maintain at the running back position since Elliott’s departure. At just 26 years old entering the 2026 season, Etienne also fits within the Cowboys’ competitive window.

Uncertain Future in Jacksonville

Following Jacksonville’s recent playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Etienne was noticeably noncommittal when asked about his future with the franchise.

“I’m really not even focused on that right now, honestly,” Etienne said. “Not even focused on that. Really just gotta try to soak this one in, man. It’d be crazy if I did [play my last game as a Jaguar], though.”

While Etienne stopped short of confirming a potential departure, his comments reflected the uncertainty surrounding Jacksonville’s long-term plans. The Jaguars face their own salary cap challenges and roster decisions, particularly as they look to build around Lawrence with new weapons and defensive reinforcements.

There is a very real possibility that Jacksonville may decide not to commit top-tier money to a running back, especially given the league-wide trend of positional devaluation at the position. That scenario could open the door for a team like Dallas to strike.

Dallas’ Running Back Situation Moving Forward

If Javonte Williams signs elsewhere, the Cowboys’ need at running back becomes immediate and significant. While Dallas has drafted well in other areas, relying solely on a rookie or committee approach could undermine their championship aspirations.

Etienne would offer:

• Proven production against elite competition

• Experience in playoff-caliber environments

• Versatility as both a runner and receiver

• The ability to immediately step in as RB1

Additionally, pairing Etienne with Dallas’ elite offensive line could unlock even more efficiency than he experienced in Jacksonville.

A Win-Win Scenario?

While nothing is guaranteed in NFL free agency, the idea of Travis Etienne in a Cowboys uniform is gaining momentum for good reason. For Dallas, it represents a chance to finally stabilize the running back position and balance their offense. For Etienne, it could be an opportunity to play behind a premier offensive line on a team with Super Bowl ambitions.

If Jacksonville’s playoff loss ultimately marks the end of Etienne’s tenure with the Jaguars, it may also signal the beginning of a new chapter—one that could benefit the Dallas Cowboys in a major way.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Dallas’ next move. Whether they choose to re-sign Javonte Williams or pivot toward a proven star like Travis Etienne could define their trajectory heading into the 2026 NFL season.